I served 4 years in the Army, but back before the current wars. As someone with a good high school education and promising background many people did not unders

I served 4 years in the Army, but back before the current wars. As someone with a good high school education and promising background many people did not understand my choice. To be honest, I wasn't too clear on it myself at the time. But like you I was looking for...something else. The Army was not at all what I expected. I expected to be told what to do all the time or for it to be like something out of Full Metal Jacket. I expected extremes. It IS different and it can occasionally be extreme, but most days it just felt kind of like a boring job that you can't quit and I'd guess that's the usual experience (again, I'm talking peacetime here), no matter which branch or type of soldier you are (I was Infantry). I was a good soldier, but I spent most of the time looking forward to getting out. As far as helping others...I never felt like I had the opportunity. However, I have never bonded so closely with a group of people before or since. And it definitely changed me for the better. I came out of it with a focus and drive that most of my peers severely lacked. Life just seemed a bit easier somehow. It also earns me respect wherever I go (deserved or not). Not to mention I was in hella good shape ;) There's also a bunch of financial benefits: VA medical care for life, low interest home loans, access to better credit unions (USAA) and money for college + bonuses. Overall not a bad deal. It will set you back a few years in terms of career, especially if you want to continue programming. My only regret is that I did 4 years instead of 2. Everything good I got out of the military I had at two years. I'm not really arguing for or against it here, I'm just giving you my experience. But it's a decision not to be taken lightly. We are at war. You may be involved in combat and you may not. Think on what that means to you before signing anything. There are other ways to help people, if that's your itch. But if you're feeling hopeless and your itch is to just go do something a little bit rash because you're young and want adventure, might I suggest a backpacking trip through China? Or a road trip to visit every state? Or a job on a cruise-liner? Life is full of crazy shit to do. And you might just figure out what to do next along the way.